Made Smarter Yorkshire, the government-backed technology adoption programme, has launched a \u00a3400,000 cyber security initiative to help small and medium-sized manufacturers protect their people, systems and operations as factories become more digital and connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pilot is being delivered with Sheffield Hallam University and will create Cyber Security Champions inside Yorkshire businesses. Employees will gain the skills and confidence to spot threats, encourage safer working practices and strengthen cyber defences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Launched at the start of September, manufacturers can access four levels of fully funded support, from basic cyber awareness to internationally recognised ISO 27001 accreditation. The Yorkshire pilot could also help shape how cyber security support is delivered through Made Smarter across England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The National Cyber Security Centre has warned of a growing risk to the UK, with nationally significant incidents more than doubling in its latest published annual figures. Government research has found that a cyber attack costs a UK business an average of \u00a3190,000, contributing to an annual economic cost of \u00a314.7 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For manufacturers the stakes can be high. Digital technology now connects machinery, production systems, suppliers and customers, so a cyber incident can stop production, delay orders and raise costs. Human error remains the most common cause of security incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research by Make UK found that nearly one in three manufacturers had experienced a serious cyber incident, either directly or through their supply chain, in the previous 12 months. Affordability and a lack of awareness of available support were identified as the biggest barriers. Make UK called for support to be easier for SMEs to navigate, including embedding cyber resilience training into digital adoption programmes such as Made Smarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n